tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈta-mə-rənd How to pronounce tamarind (audio)
-ˌrind
1
: an African evergreen tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family that is widely grown in tropical regions and has hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and an edible fruit
2
: the fruit of the tamarind tree consisting of an oblong brown pod containing 1 to 12 flat seeds embedded in a brownish, sticky, acidic pulp which is used especially in preserves and pastes and to flavor foods and beverages

Illustration of tamarind

Illustration of tamarind

Examples of tamarind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Key ingredients like spices, rice, lentils, flours, and fresh produce (such as curry leaves and tamarind) are commonly stocked, especially in areas with large South Asian populations. John Mariani, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 On the menu: Vermilion holdovers including tamarind ribs ($24), pani puri ($16) and lomo saltado ($26) and a rotating roster of treats from other women-run spots. Monica Eng, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 What form does tamarind come in most often in Mexico? Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024 The main ingredients in the drink—turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and lemongrass—provide many health benefits, like reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting your immune system. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tamarind

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese tamarindo, from Arabic tamr hindī, literally, Indian date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tamarind was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tamarind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamarind. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tamarind

noun
tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd How to pronounce tamarind (audio)
-rind
: a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers
also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

Medical Definition

tamarind

noun
tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd, -ˌrind How to pronounce tamarind (audio)
1
: a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood and a fruit with an acid pulp
2
: the pulp of the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind used in herbal medicine especially for its laxative properties

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